Page 90 of Over the Limit

“That’s the hope,” I murmur, looking over my shoulder to where Lachlan just came into my apartment. He has a baseball cap down low over his forehead, a hoodie with the hood over the hat, sunglasses on, and is carrying a bag with him.

Every time I see him like this—trying to remain unrecognizable as he walks the streets of Nice and sneaks into my flat—I laugh. And I feel honored that he’s going through all this trouble to see me, in my shitty little place, when he is him and has this grandiose place with a view of the Mediterranean.

God, is it good to see him.

“Between you, me, and the fence post, Blair,” Monica says like she’s about to tell me a national secret—but her giddy little laugh tells me I might not like what she’s about to say—“I think this might be the coming out party for Lachlan and Zola as a couple.”

I choke on my breath. “Why would you say that? I thought you were set on Baron von Whats-his-name?”

She makes a noncommittal sound. “I am. Believe me I am. The power and influence our two families would have if they combined is ridiculously alluring, but every time I mention getting them together, Zola’s off with Lachlan. I mean, they’re becoming quite the adoring couple.”

“How wonderful.” I choke over the words.

“Wonderful, perhaps. But they’re keeping it all so secret. She said they’re just in the beginning stages of whatever this is and wants to keep it private. I can respect that but, darling, do you have any idea how torn I am? Between wanting to show them off when Zola doesn’t want me to say a word yet and keeping my promise to Greta von Steubing about our children matching up? It’s simply dreadful.”

“I can’t imagine,” I say as Lachlan angles his head to the side and studies me. He’s curious who I’m speaking with.

“You can’t. It’s excruciating. I must try harder to get them together.” She pauses and I can feel her thoughts across the connection. “I’ll make a renewed effort, I think. One last time to get Zola to try and see Baron through different eyes, but . . .”

“But what?”

“I do have a soft spot for Lachlan.” Her voice softens. “Handsome. Talented. Charming. An athlete. And Zola really is smitten with him, it seems. It’s a pity I didn’t think to match them sooner so I could take all the credit.”

No.

No. No. No.

Let’s not venture there.

“Maybe a surprise dinner date for the two of them?” I suggest and then correct myself. “I mean Baron and Zola. Not Lachlan. Something quiet, so they could get to know each other.”

His head perks up. That got his attention. Lachlan narrows his eyebrows at me and then I can see the recognition dawning on his face over who I’m speaking with.

“A great idea, yes. I just . . . maybe Lachlan is the one for her. Hmm. It seems all roads lead back to Formula 1 for me, doesn’t it?”

I have no idea what she’s talking about so I just make a noncommittal sound. I find any words are hard considering there’s a lump of acid lodged in my throat.

“Maybe I can convince Zola to make the gala the debut for her and Lachlan. Then everyone would know I was the one behind them meeting and”—she squeals as if she just figured something out—“that could be absolutely perfect.”

“Um . . . okay.” I refrain from sighing heavily. What the hell am I supposed to say? I glance over to Lachlan as he pulls a ridiculously expensive bottle of wine out of the bag beside a baguette and some cheese.

“What if I pulled on some of my strings and got him over to Gravitas? Then he’ll be part of my racing family, part of my real family—my husband would loathe it. It’s perfect. Can’t you picture what gorgeous grandbabies they’ll give me? I simply can’t wait. I mean, I couldn’t tie it up any prettier in a bow if I wanted to.”

I’ll get him to Gravitas.

Grandbabies.

Jesus.

She’s delusional. She went from Baron to Lachlan to now it’s a revenge thing against her late husband.

“I think the more you interfere, the more Zola will push the other way. Maybe you just let whatever’s going on run its course. I know I’d be livid if my mom tried to meddle in my relationships.” I pause, hoping I didn’t just offend her. “Besides, Lachlan has a reputation for preferring singleness. From what I’ve heard, he’s one hundred percent focused on his career and winning a championship.”

The topic of this conversation laces his fingers behind his neck and leans against the back of the couch, curious eyes and an amused smile directed my way.

“Perhaps,” she muses. “Only time will tell. And no doubt that time will include pressure from Baron’s mother.”

“Everything will work out as it’s meant to be in the end,” I say. “And in the meantime, I’ll see what I can do on this Tori Michelle request you’ve had.”